Set amidst pine trees and apple orchards, the town is famous for more things than one. It’s a trekker’s paradise, known to offer spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain peaks. It is well known for its local apple produce and is also famed for making an appearance in the superhit bollywood movie by director Raj Kapoor – ‘Ram teri Ganga Maili’.

The town was still in its pristine condition – uncluttered, neat and serene… just as I had left it years back on my previous visit here - waiting to share its own tale! I tried to picture something of it, by setting out to explore the place.

I started off with a visit to the local and the ancient Kalp Kedareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Kalp Kedareshwar Temple

Lord Shiva with the gorgeous peaks in the background

From here, I could see the stream of turquoise blue Ganges water and though I had met mother Ganga only a few hours earlier in Gangotri, still could not resist climbing down towards the banks to catch Her glimpse.

The stream of turquoise blue Ganges water

Down at the banks, there was no one except a village woman drinking the holy waters from the cusp of her hand. On seeing me, she smiled and offered a few drops to me as well! Chilly winds were making me skittish but the warmth of her smile comforted me.

Do you know how the place gets its name? She asked in her broken Hindi. Even before I could give out my reply, she started her narration...

Once, Rivers Bhagirathi and Jalandhari had an argument about which was more significant. Lord Vishnu aka Hari intervened by taking the form of a stone or shila (Hari-shila or Harsil), and absorbed their anger. Even today, the waters of the two rivers become a little less turbulent from here onwards.

The village woman

Before ending the story and immersing herself in her prayers, she however added one last thing -

So these stones that you see in the river… These are not ordinary stones, Beti! They are Lord Vishnu. Pray to them with a sincere heart… They will make all your wishes come true!

She stood there... praying, I stood there… silent – watching the impeccable views the little town had to offer!

The river was flowing graciously, looking bubbly and beautiful in all its charms… and in between lay piles of stones – relentless like faith, stoic like hope – sitting still in the waters… I closed my eyes...

These are not ordinary stones… they make wishes come true…

At Harsil, I was tempted to believe!

Before we left the place, Vishwanath (our driver) made sure we bought for ourselves the very famous Apples of Harsil. A Britisher, Fredrick E Wilson had planted the first apple tree here in the 19th century. His cottage, it is said was a major attraction in the area until it got destroyed by a major fire recently, ending an important chapter of history. They are available in the town aplenty but we took them from the outskirts on the highway.

We spotted these big bags full of apples on the Harsil - Gangotri Highway

Apple orchards of Harsil

Can you see some apples fallen down on the ground there?

Fresh from the orchards, the apples were the juiciest, smallest, and the crispiest we had eaten in our entire lives.

The Big Box of 90 kgs!

We were so impressed; we bought for ourselves an entire bag costing just Rs. 400 for 90 kgs! which were more than enough for the entire journey, definitely!

2. Harsil is a cantonment area, perhaps because of its proximity to the Chinese border and the army is very cautious to whom it opens its doors to. Entry is denied to foreign nationals.

3. There are numerous trekking routes in and around Harsil like Brahmi Tal, Nachiketa Tal, Kush Kalyan, etc. This and the fact that the town itself is quite scenic makes it an excellent choice for stay and accomodation too.

Another marvelous, fascinating post, Arti! Your photos are superb! I do love the color of the water! The apples look delicious! What a great trip you had! Thank you for sharing it with us. Hope you have a lovely weekend! Enjoy!

The countryside there looks so much like our area here in Canada...fabulous pics of the Ganges...really love seeing it flowing through the big mountains. We grow apples that look just like those too....wonderful journey...thanks for showing us!

@ SailorI am not sure of the exact procedure, I have given the contact number of government run guest houses in the Planning the Char Dham Yatra post... They will surely be able to help you with your query more efficiently.And yes, a trip to the Himalayas is so refreshing and is always welcome:)

What an amazing journey that one cannot get elsewhere!!!! Thank YOU for coming all the way over to visit me for my birthday bash dearest! What an enchanting place you have shown us here. May ALL YOUR wishes come true my dear!!! Anita

Hey Arti!!! Thx a ton for dropping by :) U have an awesome space here with breathtaking photography....Very very informative too...Will be a regular visitor from now on...Summer vacations are fast approaching & i could probably pick our hols destination from ur posts!!!Prathima RaoPrats Corner

Hey Arti, I see you are active on Indiblogger. I need some info from you. Please ping me when you come online, either at vineshbalan@gmail.com or contact me on facebook/vineshbalan . Looking forward to a response.(Phew, its difficult to find a contact id on your blog)!

The Himalayas are stunning in scope, their huge and beautiful presence in all shots as a lovely backdrop to any picture. The foothills of mighty mountains is the beginning of a great river, pure and cold. What a wonderful place! The apples are a great buy as the cost for 90 kg is about $9.05 US - excellent purchase!

HiI have been following your blog for sometime now and its brilliant! So I am giving the versatile blogger award to you! Check it out at http://www.newszone4u.com/p/versatile-blogger-award.htmlI am now waiting to read your random facts……cheers……….

Pristine post dear!!! I had not heard of this place(like many others:)) but now I've visited it from my living room...So keep going dear... and am really glad that you are able to visit so many places and sharing it with us:)

Search and ye shall find!

Your Like is My Motivation

Subscribe to my Journeys via Email

Travel, Blog, Learn, Earn!

My Yatra Diary...

Hi there! I am Arti - often found on the road travelling with my best friend, inspiration and guide - my father. I love travelling to spiritual places and consider my external yatras as continuous learning journeys within; a journey where I seek to discover and experience the real treasures of this life someday. Besides helping my own self, this blog of mine also aims to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest.
If you have any queries, do leave a comment, I will be pleased to help!
You can also contact me at - 22arti@gmail.com